Retail turnover down in October

  • Drop in non-food turnover continues
  • Turnover growth in supermarkets due to higher prices

According to the latest figures released by Statistics Netherlands, Dutch retail turnover shrank by 1.7 percent in October 2011 compared to October 2010. Retail prices were up by 2.9 percent, whereas volume fell by 4.5 percent.

Turnover was negatively influenced by the fact that the shopping day pattern was less favourable than in October 2010. When adjusted for these calendar effects, retail turnover was at about the same level as in October 2010, whereas the volume shrank by 3 percent.

Turnover in non-food was down by 4.5 percent on October 2010. This was entirely due to fewer sales. Prices were up by 1.4 percent. All non-food branches saw their turnover fall. Consumer electronics retailers, and textile supermarkets suffered the greatest loss of turnover, whereas chemist’s shops saw the smallest loss.

Retailers selling food, drinks and tobacco managed to get about the same turnover as the year before. Prices were higher, but the volume shrank by nearly as much. Supermarkets produced an increase in turnover, while specialist stores suffered more loss. The less favourable shopping-day pattern had a considerable influence on the turnover of food, drinks and tobacco retailers. Without its effect turnover would have increased by more than 3 percent.

Mail order companies and online shops sold less than in October last year. Petrol stations generated more turnover due to higher prices.